Visually impaired Babloo Kumar was gainfully employed as a Call Center Executive. He led an independent life in Delhi until he lost the job during the pandemic.

Forced to return to his hometown in Gorakhpur, UP, Babloo was in for another rude shock when his bank refused to offer phone banking service or an ATM card. The officials said he was ineligible for such facilities.

In Patna, Bihar, a Class 12 blind student faced similar discrimination. Ganesh Kumar was denied internet banking and ATM services alleging the government had issued a directive not to extend such facilities to visually impaired people.

As a result, Ganesh has to stand in long queues and seek sighted assistance to fill out cash withdrawal slips just so he can secure his disability pension.

Vicky Mahawae from Kota, Rajasthan couldn’t open a student account as the bank officials believed visually impaired people are not allowed to transact independently. Thousands of such incidents have been reported to Eyeway from across the country, over the years.

Reserve Bank of India issued clear guidelines in 2008 stating no visually impaired person should be denied any banking services on grounds of disability. Eyeway has consistently advocated for their rights, often sharing official circulars with the defaulting authorities.  

Apart from the rules on paper, there are advancements in technology that make it possible for blind people to access financial services independently. Yet in 2020, they continue facing discriminatory behavior at the hands of officials who are either ignorant or insensitive.

How can financial institutions deprive the blind population of basic rights? Who is responsible for educating the banks and ensuring they follow the rule of law?